Mondays Marriage Moment -- Yes, You Do Need Them!

As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.
Proverbs 27:17

I know. Our culture says things like: I can do bad by myself. I don't need anybody but Jesus. I am good alone. I have heard all of these phrases before. I've even said a few of them myself. I am great at forgiving, but I am also great at cutting people off. When I am done -- I am done. I can love you, forgive you, and be a blessing to you and still opt out of relationship with you. That sounds good to my flesh (maybe yours too). Yet, as I mature I realize that God designed us to live in community. He designed us to need other people. Yes, Dear Friend...need.

As always, this starts at home. You need your spouse. God has given you an amazing person to love, but that person also is there to sharpen you and you are to sharpen them. Yes, God uses the person that you stood before family and friends and promised your love to as a tool to sand off your rough edges. You don't believe me? Have they ever told you something that really annoyed you but later you had to admit they were right? Have they ever casually mentioned a flaw in your character that offended you until you realized there was some truth to it?

I have. John Cheek has told me some hard truths over these last 18 years. Honestly, I didn't always respond well (my response revealed so much about me than it did him, but that is another blog post). Sometimes I lashed out in anger. Sometimes I shut down. As I grow, I am learning to receive the truth even when I don't like it and make necessary changes. You know why? Because he is sharpening me. He is making me a better wife, mother, friend...a better person. God is using John to perfect me. He is using John to prepare me to minister to other women. He is using John in amazing ways.

So, I have determined that I am going to respond well. I am thankful for John, and I am glad that he loves me enough to tell me the truth. I am glad that he can tell me some hard truths so that I can do better. I encourage you to appreciate the spouse that God has given you. Listen for the truths that they are trying to share with you and make necessary changes.